Commissioning and Contracts Manager
| Posting date: | 27 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £48,163 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 10 February 2026 |
| Location: | Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2BX |
| Company: | Suffolk County Council |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 22039 |
Summary
- Suffolk County Council
- Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, IP1 2BX - Hybrid
- Salary: £48,163 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
- Contract: Fixed Term or Secondment for up to 14 months
Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Suffolk County Council. We're looking for a creative and driven Commissioning and Contracts Manager to help us reimagine public services for the 21st century. If you’re passionate about finding new solutions and making a real difference, we want to hear from you.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities
As the Lead for the Care Market Hub, you’ll play a key role within Strategic Commissioning and Contract Management (SCCM) in Adult Social Care. Your main responsibilities will include:
- providing day-to-day support and line management for the Care Market Hub team
- overseeing core team functions and identifying opportunities to streamline SCCM processes and introduce smarter ways of working
- collaborating with teams across Adult Social Care to deliver on strategic objectives
- supporting the Senior Manager for SCCM with tasks such as budget management.
What we are looking for
- strong leadership and people management skills
- creativity and a proactive approach to problem-solving
- a solid understanding of contract and business management, or transferable skills
- good IT skills and confidence using multiple platforms
- ability to network and share best practice across the system
- excellent organisational skills, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
The Care Market Hub is at the heart of Strategic Commissioning and Contract Management. Acting as the front door for the care market in Suffolk, the Hub manages the systems and processes that keep SCCM running smoothly.
During times of business continuity - such as extreme weather - the Hub becomes a single point of contact for the care market, triaging requests and directing them to the right teams.
We’re a small, passionate team of three with a wealth of experience. We’re committed to improving processes and making things simpler for providers and colleagues. Alongside day-to-day activities, each team member leads on projects, including task and finish groups and developmental work.
We operate a hybrid working model, with office days typically on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Helen Clarke for a casual conversation. You can reach her Tuesday to Thursday by calling 01473 264016 or emailing helen.clarke@suffolk.gov.uk
If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
1. Give an example of when you built or maintained effective relationships with key stakeholders or suppliers. How did you understand differing priorities and ensure productive collaboration?
2. Please describe a time when you led a team through change or delivered outcomes through others. How did you support, motivate and guide the team?
3. Describe a situation where you managed a budget or delivered savings while maintaining service quality. What approach did you take to ensure financial accuracy and value for money?
4. Please provide an example of when you worked in a pressured or complex environment with changing priorities. How did you adapt while maintaining high performance?
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412.
You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If you're invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 10 February 2026.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
- Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, IP1 2BX - Hybrid
- Salary: £48,163 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
- Contract: Fixed Term or Secondment for up to 14 months
Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Suffolk County Council. We're looking for a creative and driven Commissioning and Contracts Manager to help us reimagine public services for the 21st century. If you’re passionate about finding new solutions and making a real difference, we want to hear from you.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities
As the Lead for the Care Market Hub, you’ll play a key role within Strategic Commissioning and Contract Management (SCCM) in Adult Social Care. Your main responsibilities will include:
- providing day-to-day support and line management for the Care Market Hub team
- overseeing core team functions and identifying opportunities to streamline SCCM processes and introduce smarter ways of working
- collaborating with teams across Adult Social Care to deliver on strategic objectives
- supporting the Senior Manager for SCCM with tasks such as budget management.
What we are looking for
- strong leadership and people management skills
- creativity and a proactive approach to problem-solving
- a solid understanding of contract and business management, or transferable skills
- good IT skills and confidence using multiple platforms
- ability to network and share best practice across the system
- excellent organisational skills, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
The Care Market Hub is at the heart of Strategic Commissioning and Contract Management. Acting as the front door for the care market in Suffolk, the Hub manages the systems and processes that keep SCCM running smoothly.
During times of business continuity - such as extreme weather - the Hub becomes a single point of contact for the care market, triaging requests and directing them to the right teams.
We’re a small, passionate team of three with a wealth of experience. We’re committed to improving processes and making things simpler for providers and colleagues. Alongside day-to-day activities, each team member leads on projects, including task and finish groups and developmental work.
We operate a hybrid working model, with office days typically on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Helen Clarke for a casual conversation. You can reach her Tuesday to Thursday by calling 01473 264016 or emailing helen.clarke@suffolk.gov.uk
If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
1. Give an example of when you built or maintained effective relationships with key stakeholders or suppliers. How did you understand differing priorities and ensure productive collaboration?
2. Please describe a time when you led a team through change or delivered outcomes through others. How did you support, motivate and guide the team?
3. Describe a situation where you managed a budget or delivered savings while maintaining service quality. What approach did you take to ensure financial accuracy and value for money?
4. Please provide an example of when you worked in a pressured or complex environment with changing priorities. How did you adapt while maintaining high performance?
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412.
You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If you're invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 10 February 2026.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.